Worcester police join protection effort for Obama visit

WORCESTER — Police have been working all weekend and meeting with the U.S. Secret Service during the past few days to finalize a security detail for President Barack Obama's visit to the city.

With Air Force One expected to touch down Wednesday at Worcester Regional Airport, police are expecting traffic to be messy as the president heads to the DCU Center for Worcester Technical High School's graduation. Mr. Obama is the commencement speaker at the graduation, scheduled to start at 4 p.m.

"We are working with Secret Service to formulate plans for the routes the motorcade will take to the DCU Center," Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said. "It is our understanding that Air Force One will land at Worcester Regional Airport but everything is fluid based on the president's schedule."

Chief Gemme said plans will be finalized Monday. Secret Service has been in contact with Worcester police for a few weeks now.

More than 100 police personnel will be handling Worcester police's portion of the security which will include securing the motorcade route and placing personnel around the DCU Center. Deputy Police Chief Steven M. Sargent is running the details with several police officials.

The detail officers will not be responsible for day-to-day calls. Chief Gemme said a full complement of officers will be working to handle the needs of the city.

Worcester police have already drafted a letter for local businesses in preparation for Mr. Obama's visit.

Although police have not released the possible route, they make it clear in the letter that curbside parking will be banned in those areas.

The city's Department of Public Works will post signs detailing the areas. All vehicles parked in the posted areas will be towed.

"The time of the visit is flexible, so the restrictions will be in effect for the entire day," the notice states.

Worcester police said they don't expect pedestrian traffic to be interrupted until shortly before the motorcade passes specific areas. Police said they understand that businesses will be affected by the president's visit and hope to minimize the inconvenience.

"There will be disruptions in traffic," Chief Gemme said. "We will have officers in place for security and to move traffic along city streets. People need to be patient and make plans accordingly that day."

Chief Gemme said barriers will be up at every venue, making it difficult for people to get a glimpse of Air Force One or the motorcade.

Worcester police will also have their Real Time Crime Center in full use during Mr. Obama's visit.

The department gave the center a test run during the St. Patrick's Day parade in March.

"We know we are going to have major events in the city and wanted to ensure we were providing proper training and the necessary experience along with the Real Time Crime Center," the chief said.

The city has had dignitaries visit in the past including former President Bill Clinton. Having officers assigned to different federal investigative units helps smooth the process when working with federal authorities, Chief Gemme said.

The department is preparing for a busy week, however, with the president's visit coming just a few days before the state Democratic Convention in Worcester. The convention also takes place at the DCU Center.